If you’re planning on making any changes to your home or property in the UK, you may need to apply for planning permission first. Planning permission is a legal process that gives you permission to make changes to your property, and it’s usually required for things like building an extension, converting a loft, or putting up a fence.
If you live in England or Wales, you can find out if you need planning permission by using the Planning Portal website. In Scotland, you can use the Scottish government website. And in Northern Ireland, you can use the NI Direct website.
For information on objecting to planning permission in Ireland, checkout adamslaw.ie.
Once you’ve determined that you need planning permission, the next step is to submit a planning application. This can be done online through the Planning Portal website (for England and Wales), or through your local council’s website (for Scotland and Northern Ireland).
Once your application has been submitted, it will be reviewed by a planning officer. They will then decide whether or not to approve your application. If your application is approved, you’ll be issued a planning permission certificate. If your application is refused, you’ll be given written reasons for the decision.
At this point, you have the right to appeal the decision if you disagree with it. You can do this by submitting an appeal to your local council (for England and Wales) or the Scottish government (for Scotland). In Northern Ireland, appeals are heard by an independent planning inspectorate.
Submitting a planning application is just the first step in the process of getting planning permission. Once your application has been submitted, it will be reviewed by a planning officer who will decide whether or not to approve it. If your application is approved, great! But if it’s refused, don’t despair – you have the right to appeal the decision.
How to object to planning permission
If you want to object to someone else’s planning application, you can do so by submitting your objections in writing to your local council. Your council will then take your objections into consideration when making their decision on the application.
It’s important to remember that you can only object to an application on grounds that are relevant to planning law. This means that you can’t object simply because you don’t like the proposed development, or because it will block your view. Valid reasons for objection might include things like the development being out of character with the surrounding area, or causing traffic problems.
When submitting your objection, be sure to include your name and address, as well as details of the planning application you’re objecting to. You should also state the reason for your objection, and include any supporting evidence you have (e.g. photos, plans, etc.).
If you’re not sure whether or not you have a valid objection, you can always speak to a planning consultant or solicitor for advice.
The final decision on whether or not to grant planning permission rests with the local council. They will take into account all of the objections and representations received before making their decision.
If you’re unhappy with the council’s decision, you have a right of appeal. Appeals are heard by an independent planning inspectorate.